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COURSE CARE

Curb Your Expectations!
February 27, 2015

Curb Your Expectations!

By Adam C. Moeller, Agronomist
April 8, 2009

The dawn of the new golf season is a great time to discuss
golfer expectations. Televised golf events are a huge reason
why the game of golf is as popular as it is today. However,
watching the perfectly manicured courses often inspire golfers
to demand the same type of conditions from their course.
Televised golf events, particularly the major championships
where conditions are the most extreme, often give golfers an
unrealistic view of what golf course conditioning can and
should be. Every telecast should include a disclaimer stating
"these conditions are a result of years' worth of
preparations and are maintained in that condition for just
seven days. Trying to achieve these conditions on your course
may be hazardous to the health of your turf and your
budget." Unfortunately, few golfers know what it takes to
produce the extreme conditions that are so commonplace on
television, but never before has it been so important for
golfers to hear that message.

Golf course maintenance budgets throughout the country are
being examined closely, and many are being reduced
significantly. Televised golf events are held on golf courses
with maintenance operations geared to peak for one week during
the year, and they frequently have a staff of 50-150 workers
and volunteers during the event. What may be possible for a
week at a few courses simply is not possible for most others,
especially on a daily basis. Expectations of playability need
to parallel available resources.

Communicating to demanding golfers can be tough when the
operating budget has remained constant, let alone when it has
been reduced. Nonetheless, communication between golfers,
course officials, and course superintendents is needed now more
than ever. If there are budget issues at your course, the
golfers need to know what budget -driven changes are going to
be made. For many courses, if resources are focused correctly,
with the priority on greens, tees, and fairways, playability in
these areas may not change much. There are innumerable cost
saving strategies you may want to implement, and they are
different for every golf course.

USGA agronomists can provide insightful and invaluable
information involving all areas of golf course maintenance,
which will help maximize turf health, playability, and
efficiency. We can be especially helpful in these challenging
economic times. Need help sorting through your cost cutting
options? Give us a call.